Question about Digitech Expression Factory (hum)

[Foamy]

OK, I got a great deal on this price-wise, $60, but no AC adapter.

I have a universal Radio Shack DC supply and bought the matching plug.

When I plug it in, the lights come on and switches work, but I only get a hum. It's just a steady tone - doesn't change at all.

Looks like it has a rather high draw - I did not notice that before. (Edit: maybe I noticed it a bit) It's a lot higher than my RS supply.

Is the pedal broken since I just get the hum? Or is it only giving that hum because of an underpowered supply?

 

[Taylor Livingston]

That, like most Digitech stuff, needs a power supply that outputs AC. So, it's not an AC-to-DC converter, but a 120v AC to 9v AC converter.

You need to buy the real thing.

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[Foamy]

That, like most Digitech stuff, needs a power supply that outputs AC. So, it's not an AC-to-DC converter, but a 120v AC to 9v AC converter.

You need to buy the real thing.

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Oh crud! I definitely did not see that it was an AC/AC converter. That explains the hum. What a maroon!
Thanks!

 

[Taylor Livingston]

I once had to buy one of these, and spent 15 minutes trying to explain to the chump at Guitar Center that I needed something that outputs AC. The guy was giving me the old "No such thing, man, you're an idiot."

Apologies to GC employees on this board. I'm sure some of you guys aren't uninformed jerks. But I haven't met you guys yet.

 

[JanusZarate]

When it comes to DigiTech's larger pedals, your typical universal power supplies will not do the trick. You don't necessarily need an official DigiTech one, but you do need one with the right voltage (typically 9VAC, not DC) and high enough current.

 

[Foamy]

When it comes to DigiTech's larger pedals, your typical universal power supplies will not do the trick. You don't necessarily need an official DigiTech one, but you do need one with the right voltage (typically 9VAC, not DC) and high enough current.

Live and learn! I am surprised about this. I looked at them online, and there are statements about "saving batteries" and such, so it never occurred to me that it was AC.
So....this may turn out to still be a great deal even with a $20 AC/AC adapter. Now we get to see if sounds any good.

Thanks!

 

[tnscot60]

My Didgitech pedals run off of my One Spot beautifully, if that helps.

 

[bassman1185]

Most DigiTech pedals (at least the BOSS-sized stomps) require a standard BOSS style adaptor. The larger, specialized ones like the Whammy and EX-7 need their own power supply.

 

[fightthepower]

My Didgitech pedals run off of my One Spot beautifully, if that helps.

my didntgitech pedals are solar powered

 

[Foamy]

Yay!
It's now working properly with the correct PS.
This was a good learning experience - other than a pedal that plugs directly into an outlet, I had no idea that one could/would use AC.
Thanks, folks! Now I can appreciate my steal of getting this for $60.